REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
2021 REFEREE MANAGEMENT TEAM (RMT) CORE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
BRYCE LAWRENCE MATT PETERS High Performance Manager Game Development Manager 027 293 7284 021 242 4464 [email protected] [email protected] • HP Referee leadership • Game Development Manager – Referees • HP referee strategy • REO leadership • World Rugby Contact – Referees • Laws • Manager of the Full Time Referees • Resource Development • Super Rugby • NZR Domestic 7s • NZR Referee Selector • HSBC 7s • NZR National Referee Squad Management • Domestic Competition (shared) (shared) • NZR Referee Selector • Domestic Test matches • NZR National Referee Squad Management • Talent ID and Selection (shared) • Domestic Competitions (shared) • Oceania Selector REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
CONTENTS
1. Operating Guidelines ...... 2 11. NZR Database...... 23
2. Job Description – General...... 7 12. REO Role During Super Rugby...... 23
3. Role Clarity...... 9 13. REO Role During NZR Domestic Rugby Competitions ...... 23 4. Annual Plan...... 11 14. REO Role During All 5. Operations Reports...... 12 Other Representative Rugby ...... 23
6. Abuse Incident Reporting...... 15 15. Courses...... 24
7. New Referee Reporting...... 19 16. Best Practice Initiatives...... 25
8. The Online Law Test...... 20 17. Appendix 1...... 26
9. NZR Service Certificates...... 21 18. Appendix 2...... 28
10. Insurances...... 21 19. Appendix 3...... 29
1 1 – REO PROGRAMME OPERATING GUIDELINES
The following is a broad overview of the roles, responsibilities and scope of the REO. Further information relating to the role of the REO is provided throughout this document.
INTRODUCTION Purpose The Referee Education Officer (REO) Programme was implemented in 2001. The purpose of these Operating Guidelines is to provide Provincial Unions employing an REO with a common understanding of the purpose, activities and operating parameters of the REO Programme.
The REO Programme was established on the basis that New Zealand Rugby (NZR) would provide the base funding to ensure the core services expected of the position will be delivered. It is anticipated that the position will ‘add value’ to all areas of the business and the Provincial Unions serviced by a position will contribute to the funding.
These Operating Guidelines set out the obligations, management and reporting requirements of the Employing Provincial Union and the expectations of the NZR in providing ongoing funding support for the REO Position.
Interpretation For the purpose of these Operating Guidelines:
Employing Provincial Union means the Provincial Union at which the REO position is domiciled.
Operations Report means a report by the REO submitted to NZR.
Sharing Provincial Union means a Provincial Union (that is not an Employing Provincial Union) that is sharing the services of an REO with another Provincial Union.
ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING The REO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Employing Provincial Union, or to the representative nominated by the CEO.
The Employing Provincial Union is responsible for all employment issues and employee related costs.
The Employing Provincial Union is accountable to NZR for delivery of programmes and the achievement of goals in the support of national refereeing objectives.
Additionally, for Provincial Unions sharing the services of an REO, the Employing Provincial Union is accountable to the Sharing Provincial Union’s CEOs.
The REO will liaise with the respective Provincial Union Referee Executive Body and provide updates on progress towards the achievement of agreed goals in support of the national refereeing objectives through the provision of relevant reports.
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The relationships are illustrated below:
NZR
Employing / PU Sharing PUs
Game Development RRAs REO Manager – Referees
Key Performance Indicators NZR and the CEO (or nominated representative) of the Employing Provincial Union will set the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the REO annually. Sharing Provincial Unions may contribute to this process in the manner agreed in the relevant Service Level Agreement. Employing Provincial Unions will submit an annual REO plan to NZR for approval by 31 October annually. NZR will review the KPI’s, and the KPI’s for the following year will be agreed to by 30 November. To assist in this process NZR will advise annually the key national activities the REO Programme is to focus on in the following year.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements The REO is required to report to NZR the following information on a regular basis.
• Operations Report as at, 28 February, 31 March, 30 April, 31 May, 30 June, 31 July, 31 August, 30 September and 30 November each year.
• New Referee Numbers by province (monthly, March – July)
• Referee Abuse Incident Reporting (monthly)
NB: Incidents of serious abuse must be reported to the Game Development Manager – Referees as soon as practicable once the Provincial Union becomes aware of such an incident. This is to ensure key NZR staff can be briefed prior to any media or other queries.
• Other reports as requested.
Activities to be undertaken on behalf of NZR In order to ensure overall consistency in national strategy, direction and service each REO will be required to undertake activities on behalf of NZR including planning, seminars and training.
Specifically, the REO will be required to:
• Participate in nationally organised REO Workshops.
• Undertake referee liaison and substitution control duties in conjunction with Super Rugby and International fixtures played in their region.
• Manage the NZR People Management System (National Rugby Database) ensuring referee information is accurate and regularly updated and maintained.
3 FUNDING NZR provides approximately 75% of the base funding for the REO position. This funding however is no longer tagged as it has been in the past. Employing provincial unions (including any contribution from the sharing provincial union, if applicable) provide the balance of funding, approximately 25%.
NZR funding is provided on the basis the REO role continues to meet the NZR key requirements of the position, these being to:
• Promote and implement initiatives that increase recruitment, retention, training and education of referees.
• Promote and implement initiatives that increase recruitment, retention, training and education of referee coaches.
• Deliver referee training services and programmes to the Referees Association, Provincial Union, schools and clubs.
• Educate players, coaches, media and fans in the Laws of The Game and the role of the referee.
• Provide specified services for Internationals, Super Rugby and other NZR specified fixtures.
Eligibility for NZR funding will cease during periods that the position is vacant for one month or more. On such occasions the quarterly distributions will be paid on a proportionate basis.
The NZR funding is to provide a contribution to the salary of the REO plus the agreed operational costs for the region the position services.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT The REO is provided with full details of the NZR funding provided for the position. REOs should be provided with the autonomy to manage, in consultation with their CEO/s, the agreed operational budget in the best interests of delivering referee and education and development services.
Agreed operational costs associated with the position include:
• Motor Vehicle Lease/Petrol
• Telephone
• Accommodation
• General Expenses
• Referee Education and Development Workshops and Meetings
• Activities on behalf of NZR
• Computer hardware/software
The following employee related costs will need to be met by the Employing Provincial Union:
• Fringe Benefit Tax
• ACC levies
• Office accommodation, furniture and equipment
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It is expected these costs will form part of the normal staff overheads budget of the Employing Provincial Union. In cases where the REO position services more than one Provincial Union these staff related costs should be shared by the Employing Provincial Union and the Sharing Provincial Union/s.
NZR will as available, provide REOs with a limited supply of apparel and footwear for use when undertaking activities on behalf of NZR. Any other outfitting is the responsibility of the Employing Provincial Union or Sharing Provincial Union.
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT In order to ensure that the objectives of the REO Programme are met and that the expectations of all parties are met, a formal service level agreement must be executed by the Employing Provincial Union and Sharing Provincial Unions that provides for, at a minimum, the following matters:
• Funding
• Management and review process
• Provincial Union specific objectives
• Performance measures
• Time/service allocation
REO INVOLVEMENT/COMMITMENT TO WORLD RUGBY DUTIES WORLD RUGBY operates a worldwide programme to provide modern and up to date training and upskilling of coaches, players and referees. WORLD RUGBY often utilises the services of skilled personnel from Tier 1 rugby playing nations to conduct training courses in Tier 2 nations.
WORLD RUGBY requires personnel to undertake a training course in order to become accredited trainers / educators. A limited number of REOs are accredited trainers/ educators. WORLD RUGBY accredited trainers/ educators based in New Zealand are normally assigned to the Asia and Oceania regions and each trainer / educator is normally assigned to a maximum of two countries.
WORLD RUGBY Trainer/Educator Availability and Release: Current NZR policy is to assist WORLD RUGBY with such initiatives. Accordingly identified personnel with the appropriate skills are often provided for these roles.
Where possible these personnel are made available provided the time commitment is not unreasonable and adequate notice is received of the trainer’s services being required. WORLD RUGBY normally approaches the trainer / educator direct and it is the individual’s responsibility to seek release from their Employing Provincial Union. Availability and release for any assignment is entirely at the discretion and convenience of the Employing Provincial Union.
Time Commitment: There is a verbal agreement that generally WORLD RUGBY will not call on the services of a trainer / educator for more than 7-10 working days per annum.
Cost: All travel, accommodation and incidental costs are met by WORLD RUGBY. In most cases WORLD RUGBY also provides a daily allowance.
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JOB DESCRIPTION NZR has developed a standard Job Description for the REO role (following).
It is acknowledged that there may be a need to vary the standard Job Description in accordance with the specific requirements of a Provincial Union.
Provincial Unions may amend the standard Job Description to best fit respective needs. Any changes to the standard Job Description must be communicated to NZR to ensure that the Job Description continues to meet the NZR key requirements of the REO role as set out in these Operating Guidelines.
REO APPOINTMENTS In the event of an REO position becoming vacant, the position will be advertised, and the appointment committee must include the Provincial Union CEO (or a representative) and a nominated NZR representative.
Upon appointment an appropriate orientation programme, set by the Employing Provincial Union in consultation with NZR, will be undertaken.
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2 – JOB DESCRIPTION: GENERAL
Job Title: Referee Education Officer Department/Unit:
Current Position Holder: Reports to: Provincial CEO/Rugby Manager
Accountable to: Provincial Union’s Sharing Resource
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Promote and implement initiatives that increase recruitment, retention, training and education of referees. Instigation and progression of training and development resources and responsibility for the delivery of services to referee association/s, provincial union/s, schools, and clubs, in a manner which exemplifies best practice, and which enhances game development. Education of players, coaches, media and fans in the Laws of the Game and the role of the referee.
CUSTOMER ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT: PU/s and RRA/s • Promote and implement NZR and provincial policies to enhance referee, coach, player and fan education.
• Liaise with provincial rugby development officials to identify issues and establish education and training needs.
• Manage the provision of refereeing services at provincial competitions and tournaments and assist at regional events.
• Represents provincial unions at identified rugby and sporting symposiums.
• Manage special projects implemented by provincial union/s
• Assist with the development of the provincial union referee business plan, including budgets
• Advocate best practice and manage strategic planning and implementation of refereeing services
• Develop and deliver Training and Development material to active referees, referee coaches, referee evaluators, associate referees and trainers.
• Promotion and implementation of provincial recruitment and retention programmes
• Develop, deliver and implement NZR Safety Programmes
• Coordinate and manage provincial referee squad programmes and activities.
• Develop and implement activities to educate players, coaches, media and supporters in the Laws of the Game and the role of the referee.
• Provide refereeing services and support to provincial representative teams
7 AUTHORITIES: HUMAN RESOURCES BUDGETARY CONTRACTUAL Nil Responsible for an expenditure Signs letters on behalf of the budget organisation
RELATIONSHIPS: EXTERNAL INTERNAL COMMITTEES/GROUPS Players Rugby Development Coaches Provincial Union Administration Referees Provincial Governance Administrators Provincial Unions (other) RDO’s NZR GD Team RRAs (other) Fans Associate Referees Media (local) Suppliers
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SPECIAL SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES: ESSENTIAL PREFERRED Education/Achievements Tertiary qualifications relevant to current position Experience/Knowledge Knowledge of the Principles of Five years refereeing experience. Rugby Experience and success in the Knowledge of the Laws of the delivery of training courses. Game Special Skills/Attributes Ability to train referees, coaches, Financial accountability and referee evaluators Administer/facilitate meetings Communication skills and courses Time management skills Coordination Delegation Presentation Problem solving Facilitation
Prepared by: ______Date: ______
Approved by: ______Date: ______
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3 – REO ROLE CLARIFICATION: RUGBY UNION/ REO RESPONSIBILITY/RRA RESPONSIBILITY
ACTIVITY RUGBY UNION / RRA RESPONSIBILITY REO RESPONSIBILITY New Referee • Funding • Assist with/provide funding Recruitment • Develop Referee Recruitment by agreement Campaign/Programme • Assist with implementation • Immediate follow up with potential of Recruitment Campaign/ new referees Programme Coordinate planned activities/events • Assist with follow up of potential new referees • Assist with all activities/ events National Rugby • Overall responsibility for entering and • Trained administrator Database maintaining accurate information/ able to update individual data information • Annual reconciliation • Entering/updating of RRA/ Referee specific information Training Programme • Consult with RRA and assist/ • Consult with REO re coordinate development and publication development and delivery of programme. Coordinates delivery of programme. Assists with delivery as required. RRA Annual Plan • In consultation with RRA, REO assists • RRA responsibility. In in coordinating development and consultation with REO, RRA production of RRA Annual Plan develops, produces and submits Annual Plan to Rugby Union Squad Nominations • Notification, coordination and • Selections submission • Provides guidance and assists with selection Appointments • By mutual agreement between Union/ • By mutual agreement RRA between Union/RRA • REO is an advisor re representative appointments You Make the Call • Organises, promotes and conducts • Assists with undertaking YMTC Programme of delivery and practical assessments Associate Referees • Organises, promotes and conducts • Assists with facilitation as programme required RugbySmart • Organises, promotes and conducts • Assists with facilitation as programme required
9 Referee Development • Facilitates with organisation/ • Assists with organisation/ Exchange coordination of development exchanges coordination of development exchanges Reward & Recognition • Not applicable • Facilitates, organises and (Social) Exchanges coordinates Coaching Courses/ • Administers, organises, promotes and • Assists with identification of Program coordinates, assists with delivery needs NZ Rugby Service • Notification and assistance • Coordination, checking and Certificate Requests submission of requests RRA Social Events • Nil responsibility/involvement but may • Totally responsible for assist by arrangement organisation/coordination NZR Match Analysis • Manages system and users • May appoint ‘Super User’ to Portal (if applicable) assist with management and use NZR On-Line Law Exam • REO administers, manages Users and • Promotes Exam promotes Exam Mitre 10 Cup/ • Responsible for coordination of Match • Appoint appropriate Heartland/ Farah Official services personnel in consultation with Palmer Cup NZR (where required) and REO Super Rugby Sideline • REO responsibility/duty • Assistance as required Manager Mitre 10 Cup Sideline • PU/REO responsibility • PU appointment Manager Heartland/Farah • PU/REO responsibility • PU appointment Palmer Cup Sideline Manager Mitre 10 Cup TMO • PU/REO responsibility • PU appointment (endorsed by NZR)
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4 – REO ANNUAL PLAN: TEMPLATE
Referee Training and Development Programme Delivery Module Delivery: Field Days/Workshops: Other Activities:
Referee Coach Training Programme Delivery Field Days/Workshops: Other Activities:
Academy/Development Squad Programme Delivery Module Delivery: Field Days/Workshops: Other Activities:
Associate Referee Programme Delivery
You Make the Call Programme Delivery
Recruitment Programme/Activities Focus: Theme: Activities:
Referee Retention Programme/Activities: Focus: Theme: Activities:
Sevens Referee Training and Development Programme Delivery Module Delivery: Field Days/Workshops: Other Activities:
AR Training & Development Programme Delivery Module Delivery: Field Days/Workshops: Other Activities:
Team Coaches and Players Education Programme Delivery Focus: Activities:
Referee Executive Group Development & Activities
11 5 – REO OPERATIONS REPORT: TEMPLATE
Name:
Province:
Period Ended:
1. MAJOR PROJECTS / ACTIVITIES
2. SUCCESSES / ACHIEVEMENTS
3. CHALLENGES
4. NEW INITIATIVES
5. NEW REFEREE STATISTICS
No. at beginning of Month/Period This Period/Month Total This Year
6. REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENTS
No. at beginning of Month/Period This Period/Month Total This Year
Refer to attached report for details
7. OTHER MATTERS OF NOTE
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REO OPERATIONS REPORT – EXAMPLE
Name: Toni Iommi
Province: Wellington
Period Ended: 31 August 2018
1. MAJOR PROJECTS / ACTIVITIES
• Participated in National REO Conference – Wellington 7-9 August. • Coordinated and facilitated Education session to upskill local personnel selected for AR, TMO and Side-line Management roles in Mitre 10 and Farah Palmer Cup competitions. • Managed provision of referee and other match official services at 2018 Provincial Union Sevens tournament – Mount Maunganui • Manage provision of referee and other match official services at 2 home Mitre 10 Cup matches and 6 local representative matches • Planned and co-ordinated delivery of three NZR training and development modules • Initiated and managed support services for referee following serious incident of referee abuse. Managed associated media enquiries. • Managed pre-tournament activities, coordination and provision of match official services for South Island Under 18 tournament in Hokitika • Prepared and submitted 2019 REO Budget
2. SUCCESSES / ACHIEVEMENTS • NZR Service Certificates presented at Annual Awards Dinner – major milestones reached by Bill Smith (60 years), George Howard and Brian Johnston (50 years), Mary Jones (40 years) • In conjunction with key RRA personnel, developed draft 2019 Training & Development Plan • In conjunction with key RRA personnel, developed 2019 RRA Annual Plan which has been submitted to Provincial Union CEO • Three referees awarded their Provincial Union Blazer for achievement of refereeing 50 Premier Club game
3. CHALLENGES • Transfer of 6 referees to other provinces and disappointing recruitment intake has created ongoing difficulty in providing referees for matches below Secondary School 2nd XV fixtures. • Providing referees for Secondary Schoolgirls rugby played midweek is proving difficult. • Referees have been disappointed in leniency of sanctions imposed by Judiciary for recent Ordering Off offences and are perceiving this as a lack of support for their role
4. NEW INITIATIVES • Have commenced a Club Referee support initiative. Players from adult teams with byes are refereeing Small Blacks and Under 15 rugby on a Saturday morning. • Provincial Union has introduced hosting of Referee Executive dinner to recognise Executive for contribution to rugby in the province. • RRA introduced awarding of a RRA Blazer for Executive members providing 15 years continuous service to Executive
13 5. NEW REFEREE STATISTICS No. at beginning of Month/Period This Period/Month Total This Year
6 3 9
6. REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENTS No. at beginning of Month/Period This Period/Month Total This Year
0 2 2
Refer to attached report for details
7. OTHER MATTERS OF NOTE RRA Annual General Meeting held on 14 August. Chairman …………….. did not seek re-election. New RRA Chairman is…………………………... The other members of the Executive remain unchanged.
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6 – REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENT REPORT: TEMPLATE
PROVINCIAL INCIDENTS OF PHYSICAL INCIDENTS OF ON-FIELD REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENT UNION ABUSE VERBAL ABUSE REPORTS FILED RED CARD ISSUES OFF FIELD/AFTER FULL TIME/SPECTATOR/PLAYER/ COACH/MANAGER OFFENCE EXAMPLE 1 – Player Touch Judge assaulted 2 - Suspension: 4 weeks 1. Coach – Verbal Abuse of by spectator 1 – Suspension: 3 weeks referee during game. Suspension: 12 months 1 – Suspension: 5 weeks Suspension: 2 weeks
1 – Player shouldered referee – 1. Coach – Verbal Abuse of Ordered Off referee during game.
Suspension: - 10 weeks Suspension: 2 weeks
1 – Referee punched by a player. 1. Player verbally abused referee during match and Suspension: Lifetime after match. ban. Can apply for reinstatement in 10 years. Suspension: 18 months Civil proceedings resulted in player being convicted of assault and sentenced to 200 hours community work.
1 – Coach abuse and assault of referee.
Police action pending. Judicial hearing delayed pending conclusion to police proceedings Coach has been stood down from any involvement in rugby pending conclusion of Police and Judicial activities.
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PROVINCIAL INCIDENTS OF PHYSICAL INCIDENTS OF ON-FIELD REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENT UNION ABUSE VERBAL ABUSE REPORTS FILED RED CARD ISSUES OFF FIELD/AFTER FULL TIME/SPECTATOR/PLAYER/ COACH/MANAGER OFFENCE AUCKLAND 1 – Spectator (parent) grabbed 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks 1 – Coach verbally abused referee by the throat in an 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks referee. Under 10 match Suspension: Coach issued Suspension: Police charges with letter of reprimand/ pending. warning
1 – Player verbally abused 1 – Manager verbally abused referee and struck the referee referee. on chest with forearm. Suspension: 2 weeks. Suspension: 19 weeks Letter of apology written by Club.
1 – Coach verbally abused referee. Suspension: Coach censured by club and referee services to team withdrawn for remainder of the season NORTHLAND 1 – Spectator aggressively 1 – Suspension: 6 weeks grabbed assistant referee from behind and verbally abused him. Suspension: 12 months
1 – Player forcefully whacked hand of referee as referee was shaking hand of another player after full-time Suspension: 11 months
1 – As referee issued a red card the player forcefully slapped the card out of the referee’s grasp Suspension: 26 weeks commencing 1 March 2013 NORTH 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks 1 – Spectator verbally abused HARBOUR 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks referee. Suspension: Admonished by club and is no longer involved with team.
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PROVINCIAL INCIDENTS OF PHYSICAL INCIDENTS OF ON-FIELD REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENT UNION ABUSE VERBAL ABUSE REPORTS FILED RED CARD ISSUES OFF FIELD/AFTER FULL TIME/SPECTATOR/PLAYER/ COACH/MANAGER OFFENCE COUNTIES 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks 1 – Spectator verbally abused MANUKAU 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks referee. Suspension: Letter of reprimand.
1 – Spectator verbally abused referee. Suspension: Offender unable to be identified. Letter of reprimand sent to school BAY OF PLENTY 1 – Player pushed referee in 1 – Suspension: 3 weeks 1 – Assistant Coach, Captain chest (Judicial ruled action 1 – Suspension: 3 weeks and spectator verbally by player was accidental but abused referee after the 1 – Suspension: 3 weeks careless). match. 1 – Suspension: 4 weeks Suspension: 2 weeks Suspension: Coach – 6 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks weeks 1 – Suspension: 3 months Captain – 3 weeks 1 – Suspension: 2 weeks Spectator – 1 year 1 – Suspension: 6 weeks 1 – Player verbally abused 1 – Suspension: 3 weeks and threatened referee and assistant referee. Suspension: 8 months
1 – Coach and 2 spectators verbally abused referee and AR during the match. Suspension: No further action – letters of apology to be sent.
1 – Coach, team official and spectators verbally abused AR during the match. Suspension: No further action – letters of apology to be sent.
1 – Assistant coach verbally abused referee. Suspension: 3 weeks.
17 PROVINCIAL INCIDENTS OF PHYSICAL INCIDENTS OF ON-FIELD REFEREE ABUSE INCIDENT UNION ABUSE VERBAL ABUSE REPORTS FILED RED CARD ISSUES OFF FIELD/AFTER FULL TIME/SPECTATOR/PLAYER/ COACH/MANAGER OFFENCE HAWKES BAY 1 – Player punched referee in the 1 – Spectator (parent) verbally chest. abused referee during Red card issued school match. Matter dealt with by the school Suspension: 5 weeks Suspension: Parent has written letter of apology to school and referee. TARANAKI 1 – Suspension: 1 week MANAWATU 1 – Spectator (parent) verbally abused referee during junior match. Matter dealt with by the club Suspension: Individual on final notice of expulsion from the club. Junior team parents issued a general warning.
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7 – NEW REFEREE REPORTING
New referees are those referees who are new to rugby refereeing as a sport or who have refereed before, been away from the sport for a year or more and have come back. A referee who changes provinces between calendar years is not a new referee. They simply register as a referee in their new province but are not considered new.
It is very important the database reflects only those referees that meet the criteria for new referees to be counted as new referees.
Following is a table showing how to report new referees to NZR when completing monthly reports.
NEW REFEREES APR TTD MAY TTD JUN TTD JUL TTD AUG TOTAL BY PROVINCE Norhland 3 3 North Harbour 16 16 2 18 Auckland 0 0 10 10 Counties Manukau 2 2 7 9 Waikato 12 12 5 17 Thames Valley 4 4 1 5 Bay of Plenty 23 23 King Country 2 2 1 3 East Coast Poverty Bay 3 3 0 3 Hawkes Bay 9 9 3 12 Taranaki 5 5 0 5 Wanganui 0 0 Manawatu 2 2 Horo-Kapiti 2 2 Wairarapa Bush Wellington 5 5 Tasman Buller West Coast Canterbury 42 42 1 43 Mid Canterbury 4 4 1 5 South Canterbury 7 7 North Otago Otago 3 3 Southland TOTAL 144 144 31
TTD = Total to Date
19 8 – THE ONLINE LAW TEST*
*Note: This is on hold
The referee law test is now on-line. Referees have the opportunity to sit the test 3 times every 6 months. There are 4 levels of pass: 91% + Honours 80% - 90% Excellence 75% - 79% Merit 70% - 74% Achieved
The process for sitting the law test is outlined in Appendix 1.
NZR require REOs to report the number of candidates who attempt the law test, and report test outcomes as per the following table.
2 3 TOTAL PROVINCE CANDIDATES ATTEMPTS ATTEMPTS ATTEMPTS -50 50-59 60-69 ACHIEVED MERIT EXCELLENCE HONOURS Norhland North Harbour Auckland Counties Manukau Waikato Thames Valley Bay of Plenty King Country East Coast Poverty Bay Hawkes Bay Taranaki Wanganui Manawatu Horo-Kapiti Wairarapa Bush Wellington Tasman Buller West Coast Canterbury Mid Canterbury South Canterbury North Otago Otago Southland TOTAL
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9 – NZR SERVICE CERTIFCATES
NZR provides long service certificates signed by the CEO when requested. These certificates are supplied for every 10 years of service i.e. 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, 50 years, 60 years.
In order to receive them on time for Annual Dinners and awards evenings, requests should be submitted to the NZR Game Development Manager – Referees by 31 May in each calendar year.
10 – INSURANCES
1. NZR Referee Indemnity Insurance: Covers all RRA members and NZR Registered Associate Referees appointed to fixtures within New Zealand, against claims for exemplary or punitive damages.
2. NZR Rugby Injury Insurance In addition to players etc, covers the referee and two touch judges on match day and on some other rugby occasions only for:
Accidental death
Permanent Disablement.
3. Overseas Referee Indemnity Insurance Subject to completion and submission of the required form (following), NZR covers provincial referees travelling overseas on an approved provincial exchange for which the primary purpose is refereeing, against claims for exemplary or punitive damages
21 NOTIFICATION OF REQUEST FOR PUBLIC LIABILITY COVER FOR PROVINCIAL REFEREE TRAVELLING OVERSEAS
(Please print clearly)
NAME: ...... PROVINCE: ......
COUNTRY/COUNTRIES TRAVELLING TO: ......
OVERSEAS REFEREE ASSN/ SOCIETY HOSTING EXCHANGE: ......
DURATION OF VISIT (NO. OF DAYS): ......
From:...... To:......
NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE OF PROVINCE AUTHORISING THE EXCHANGE: ......
Signature: ...... Date:......
This form must be completed and forwarded to the NZRU at least 7 days prior to referee departure.
Please forward to: Matt Peters Game Development Manager – Referees NZ Rugby PO Box 2172 Wellington Email: [email protected]
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11 – NZR DATABASE
Referee Educators are responsible for ensuring referees are registered in the NZR database annually. It is important that referee members are categorised correctly. Those referees that are available for appointment to active on-field refereeing must be categorised as such as opposed to referee coaches and social members who are not categorised as on-field referees.
12 – REO ROLE DURING SUPER RUGBY
Where a Super Rugby match is being played, the residing REO is expected to be the Side-line Manger for the match. In cases where the current REO has no experience in the role, he/she would be expected to have in assistance, an experienced REO to help and guide in the process in order to build capability. Roles and responsibilities of the Side-line Manager out outlined in the Tournament Handbook and will available from the host union Match Manager.
13 – REO ROLE DURING NZR DOMESTIC RUGBY COMPETITIONS
REOs are responsible for ensuring all support personnel for NZR National Competition games are appointed according to NZR guidelines and criteria, if they exist. If a RRA appoints outside the guidelines/criteria the REO is expected to work with the RRA in order to ensure the integrity of the competitions is maintained regarding match officials. NZR will announce any relevant guidelines and criteria which match officials must meet in order to service these competitions well in advance of the competition start dates.
When a female referee/s is/are appointed to National Competition games, the REO is expected to ensure where possible, there is the option of a separate changing facility for female match officials. Where this is not possible, the REO is expected to ensure the changing environment is kept as safe as possible for the safety and integrity of these match officials.
14 – REO ROLE DURING ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY OTHER THAN THE ABOVE
It is acknowledged the REO does not have a formal role in the appointment of match officials, however they have a role in ensuring the “right referee for the right match” is appointed. REOs should take an active role in overseeing representative rugby appointments in terms of this philosophy. There needs to be a balance between development opportunity relative to the grade of representative rugby and that of pure performance. It should also be acknowledged this rugby plays and important role in the Talent ID and Selection process for higher honours.
23 15 – COURSES
Rugby Smart Rugby Smart is compulsory for all Referees and Rugby Coaches every year. It is very important that all on- field active referees complete the course, so they are insured in case of serious injury on-field. It is a course with a primary focus on keeping players, coaches and players safe during training and games. The course has evolved significantly since it was first implemented and is now a combination of on-line learning and in-situ practical work. The process for completing Rugby Smart is outlined in Appendix 2.
Small Blacks Small Blacks is a development programme for rugby players between the ages of U6 to U13. U12 – U13 players play in the “Playing Rugby” grades where contested scrums are introduced. For this reason, when this part of the programme is delivered to the coaches of these teams, a REO or a suitably experienced referee or RDO must deliver the Game Management section of the course. This is important for insurance purposes. The outline of this part of the course is in the Small Blacks Handbook
Blue Card Accreditation The Blue Card system designed for concussion management has been in place since 2016. It is a system which formalises the rehabilitation monitoring programme for players who have been deemed to be concussed during a match.
All referees must complete the on-line Blue Card Accreditation course in order to be able to issue an on- field Blue Card. Periodically there is a compulsory practical training facilitated by an approved medical practitioner. The Provincial Union will advise of this.
Associate Referee Course The Associate Referee Course (ARC) is a long established course which is designed to build numbers and capability of rugby volunteers who wish to be a match official resource for their club or school and help out with refereeing duties when and where an official referee cannot make a game or cannot be appointed due to numbers.
It is a course which takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on attendee numbers and is based on the Introduction Refereeing Handbook. A compulsory component of the ARC is Rugby Smart which must be completed for participants to be registered as Associate Referees. Once completed, Associate Referees can referee any rugby up to and including U19 rugby with contested scrums and any higher-level rugby with uncontested scrums.
You Make the Call You Make the Call (YMTC) is a 3-day long course designed to introduce secondary school students to the sport of Rugby Refereeing. The associated Handbook is based on the Introduction to Refereeing Handbook. At the completion of the course, if participants complete the required work at the required standard they are eligible for NZQA credits at Level 3 on the NZQA Framework. Further information related to the YMTC course is available in the course material.
24 REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
16 – BEST PRACTICE INITIATIVES
REOs are constantly looking for new and improved ways to enhance training and development of referees, referee coaches and other key rugby stakeholders. They are encouraged to be bold and vulnerable in order to keep training and development fresh, fun and contemporary. New initiatives are developed and tried constantly. In order to help REOs try new initiatives, Appendix 3 has a number of these described and available for use.
25 APPENDIX 1 – LAWS OF THE GAME THEORY EXAMINATION INFORMATION FOR EXAM COORDINATORS
1. Sitting the Exam – 3 Attempts per six-month period Candidates are provided with 3 attempts to sit the Exam in a six-month period. A six-month period commences on the date the candidate logs in and first opens Attempt 1. Candidates must be able to complete the Attempt in one session. Any event causing a candidate to be unable to complete the Attempt in one session, is not retrievable. Once an Attempt is opened, it must be completed in one session (maximum 100 minutes).
2. Sitting the Exam – Questions and Time Limit There are 100 questions in each Exam paper, these questions are randomly selected. Candidates have a maximum of 100 minutes to answer all questions. There is a maximum of one minute to answer each question.
3. Not Answering or Skipping a Question A question not answered within the one minute allowed, will automatically drop to the end of the Exam. Candidates may also choose to skip a question. An unanswered or skipped question will automatically drop to the end of the Exam and provided the 100-minute maximum time limit has not expired the candidate will receive one final attempt to answer it. On this second attempt, should an answer not be submitted within the one minute allowed, the question will be marked unanswered.
4. Internet Connection Candidates logging in to sit the Exam, should ensure they are in an area that provides a strong internet connection. Loss of internet connection is not retrievable as per 1. above.
5. Introduction It is extremely important candidates open and read all information in the Introduction section of the Exam. This section contains helpful tips that will assist the candidate in sitting the Exam.
6. Answering a Question Candidates should carefully consider their answer. Once an answer has been submitted, the question cannot be retrieved and the submitted answer cannot be amended.
7. Notification of Result Candidates receive notification of their result immediately upon completion of an Attempt.
A list of the questions incorrectly answered, and the relevant Law Book
Reference, is provided and able to be printed immediately upon completion of an Attempt.
26 REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
8. Attaining a Pass There are four levels of pass.
90% + Honours 80-89% Excellence 75-79% Merit 70-74% Achieved
9. Certificates Candidates achieving a mark of 70% or above will be able to immediately print the relevant Certificate. Candidates who do not have access to a printer should save the Certificate and forward to their REO to print.
10. Accessing the Exam To access the law exam please go to the URL: https://sporttutor.nz/nzrugby
It is recommended you use Google Chrome as your web browser
27 APPENDIX 2 – RUGBY SMART REGISTRATION Appendix 2 – RugbyAND COMPLETIONSmart Registration PROCESS and Completion Process
Start
Paper Based Referee Online Referee Registration Registration
Attend Practical Demographic Details RugbySmart Course
Select RugbySmart Complete Paper Based Course Dates Registration at start of course
Submitt online registraion Practical RugbySmart Session
Recieve 2 emails: 1 Directed to online registration details and RugbySmart and Blue Card Stay after and 2 with link to online Leave and complete online Certification Course watch the video RugbySmart course at a later date RDO will need to confirm completion
Attend a Blue Card Course Quits Online Complete Online depending on age group Learning learning 25 mins Attend a Blue Card Course Referee and PU Blue Card depending on age group Roll Out Referee and PU Blue Card Roll Out Finds 2nd Email with REO sends reminder Attends Practicel link to online module email to complete online RugbySmart Session learning prior to course
REO indicates that Referee clicks on link and Referee clicks on link and Referee has completed sent to online module sent to online module both online RugbySmart and Blue Card module and practical session
Completes online Completes online RugbySmart and Blue Card RugbySmart and Blue Card Certification Certification Referee is Active and Blue Card Certified
Attends Practical Attends Practical RugbySmart Session RugbySmart Session
Referee is Active and Blue Card Certified
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28 REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
APPENDIX 3 – BEST PRACTICE INITIATIVES
Referees Making Decisions Under Fatigue Firstly, the aim of the session was to make referees make decisions under fatigue as I believe this is why we as referees make a lot of mistakes near the end of games.
What I did was design 4 workstations which incorporated fitness, fun and learning and dependent on numbers, split the referees into 2/3/4 groups.
1st station; Whistle decisions under fatigue. I had 3 coaches in this station holding up different decisions we have to make as referees EG: tackler not rolling away, knock on etc of which I had 30 different offences. The referee would then blow the whistle and signal the offence. The coach would then change the offense for the next person. The refs would then run shuttles and at the furthest point away from the coach there was a paper on the ground saying they would do either 10x lunges/squats/star jumps and then repeat.
2nd station; game of touch rugby (fun)
3rd station; verbal decisions under fatigue. I had 3 coaches in this station holding up different law questions (keeping it simple, yes/no PK/FK/Scrum/Play on answers etc) of which I had 30 different offences. The referee would then verbalise what they would rule based on the question with the aim being to make the decision right away without hesitation (as per a game of rugby). The coach would then say whether they were right or wrong (answer was on the back of the paper) and then change the offense for the next person. The refs would then run shuttles and at the furthest point away from the coach they just saw they would do either 10x burpees/push ups/sit ups and then repeat.
4th station; Law exam. I put together a written 40 question law exam which they had to try and complete.
Each station was 6 minutes long with a 30 second rest in between and we repeated it twice, so it was a tough 52min session.
Happy to explain this further for anyone.
Antony Petrie Referee Education Officer Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union THAMES VALLEY RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION 21 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe 2120 | PO Box 175, Pukekohe 2340 P (09) 237 0033 | M (027) 439 0456 E [email protected] | www.steelers.co.nz
29 Roll the Dice The idea is that it is an interactive way to start the meeting, getting different guys to contribute rather than the ‘same old voices’. It also directs the conversation. So, put 6 bullet points on the whiteboard or chart on the wall. You can change these through the season depending on what theme you want to push. Get a member to roll the dice, then speak about
Ideas could include:
1. I enjoyed …...... about my game
2. I found …...... challenging
3. A decision I was pleased about was…...... ….
4. My GROW next step is to…...... ….
5. The funniest thing in my game was…...... ….
6. If I could change one thing from Saturdays game it would be…...... ….
Dave Paterson Referee Education Officer | Tasman and Buller Rugby Unions Lansdowne Park, Blenheim | PO Box 7157 | Nelson 7010 P 021 058 6559 | E [email protected] | W www.tasmanrugby.co.nz
Tandem Refereeing (or Shadow Refereeing) This is a practice that has proven very successful over several years. It involves having an experienced referee running around the field ‘shadowing’ a novice referee. The collaboration between the two participants includes pre-match where observation and assistance can be provided during the pre-match discussions, partly to ensure that all necessary aspects are discussed. Right from the kick-off, the shadow referee can encourage and direct the novice in numerous ways, the most obvious being verbal direction.
Ultimately, the best outcome is that the novice makes all the decisions that they can and that they are allowed to stick to those decisions. A lot of decisions will be incorrect (or certainly different to that which the shadow would have made), but I believe it is important that they are allowed to referee as per their understanding of what occurs in front of them. Being on the field with the novice affords the shadow the instant opportunity to provide guidance and feedback, if that is appropriate for the time and circumstance.
Importantly, the shadow should be prepared to use their own whistle to stop play or decide, particularly when participant safety is compromised!! Award a penalty! Stop play if it is a shambles! The novice can restart play with a clean set-piece!
Direct them into better positions at both set-piece and dynamic phases. Encourage them to use better running lines. Urge them to blow the whistle and display signals more effectively.
Each novice will have a different degree of aptitude to the task. Some may benefit from the presence of a shadow for more than one game. Some will be able to be left to their own devices within minutes of starting their refereeing career. The shadow can often drift into the background and let the novice continue ‘single handed’. Sometimes the shadow can drift all the way to the sideline and provide support from there!
30 REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
Happy to expand on any of this if further explanation might help.
David Walsh [email protected] Referee Education Officer (Wairarapa-Bush and Wellington) M: 021 898 098 Fax: 04 389 0889 (fax) PO Box 7201 Wellington 6242 Level 2, 191 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011
Associate Referee Training For the second year, these were combined with Small Blacks courses run with RDO’s: Engagement & Participation, Good Sports, Rugby Smart.
When team coaches went outside for practical stations, Associate refs had only 10 - 12 minutes of key elements of Associate Refs PowerPoint
Refs into four groups: whistle and signals, lineout, scrum, breakdown; facilitated by Ref coach/es, ref/s, myself
Aim for approximately 12mins per rotation
Followed up with:
• visits to clubs (ref coach, myself) on JRC training night to follow-up: extra module info, observe
• scenarios or hit-outs by teams/refs, answer questions, positive encouragement, and/or Saturday mornings to encourage Assoc Refs, give pointers, answer questions
Paul Greenstreet [email protected] Rugby Manager - Referees & Match Officials North Harbour Rugby Union DDI: (09) 447 2111 | Mob: (021) 585-238 | www.harbourrugby.co.nz
Introduction Using Video Every week a premier referee would get up and go through three clips from their game (a decision they nailed, a decision they didn’t and something up for discussion – point of law etc). This has made all premier referees review relevant footage and makes others watch rugby they’re involved in every weekend. On top of this, it has ensured there is more accountability around referee performances as well as getting them to take over their own review process. I created a roster system, so they referee knew when they needed to prepare their clips. Next year, I am looking at getting a referee-coach to present trends etc in the same way.
Will Johnston
31 Referee Coaching Using Tablets We purchased tablets that our referee coaches can use with their referees. It has meant that they can take short clips of things the referee is working on and then use the clips when having their post-match conversations.
It has helped with our younger referees as they are able to see what the referee coach is talking about instead of trying to picture it for themselves.
Tablets were the chosen device with a big enough screen and the footage readily available to be viewed on rather than a video camera.
Brittany Andrew [email protected] Referee Education Officer M: 027 213 8394 P: +64 6 357 2633 ext. 713
Use of Contracted Players as Referees With the support of the PU we used 3 contracted players each Saturday to referee lower grade secondary school games. The contracted players had to do this as part of their promotional hours’ requirement in their contracts. They only had to do 1 game each over the season.
For a bit of fun at a T&D night I broke the members up into groups of 4-5 and then they had a Speed Law Exam race. I had printed out one of the law exams we were sent earlier this year. One player from each team had to walk up and answer 1 question, any unanswered question on their team’s sheets. The next one from their team couldn’t come up until they got back to their team. Once all teams finished there was a prize for that team. It didn’t take long for the competitiveness to come out with power walking, shoulder barging and throwing others pens away.
Everyone enjoyed it and it was a good way to cover some laws. I will start it earlier this coming season.
Keith Groube Referee Manager [email protected] Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union 06 835 7617 021 285 5001 3 Orotu drive, Napier 4182 I PO Box 201, Napier 4140
32 REFEREE EDUCATION OFFICER (REO) ROLE
Law Exam Incentive Our gold nugget was to incentivise the law exam. We got new jersey’s this year and instead of just handing them out, we made it, to get a new jersey they had to sit and pass their law exam.
Boris Jurlina REO Northland Rugby 021 2564464 [email protected]
Dice Nite 6 Groups (all members split into 6 groups preferably around a round table each ensuring a mixture of levels) – number each table.
6 Subjects (select 6 different topics e.g. game management, T/R/M, positioning etc) – number each subject.
6 Experts (6 Premier refs or a Selector, Panel Head etc) – number each Expert.
Put pen & paper on each table & ask each of the 6 groups to write a question for each of the 6 topics – give them approximately 10 minutes.
Once completed roll the dice (many free apps available for your phone with noise for better effect) for the table. Roll again for the subject then again for the Expert. A member of that table will read out the question & the Expert will answer it. The REO moderates & generally other Experts join in with an alternate/variation to the answer.
At the end open to the floor & ask if any burning questions have not yet been answered & the Expert panel can answer. It becomes quite interactive.
Smudge McNeilage 027 5299-244
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